Giovanni Battista Gervasio was a significant personality in the musical scene of 'stile galante' of the second half of 18th century; composer, virtuoso and teacher, he studied and improved the four courses mandolin, which was first built in Naples in that period. Thanks to him this instrument became popular and technically refined as it is nowadays. The aim of this recording is to reproduce the tinkling sonorities of these compositions. In order to obtain thoroughly this particular natural sonority, we have decided to "capture" the natural reverberations of the environment without ignoring the sound of each single instrument, so that the phrasing is intelligible. We have played an original mandolin built in 1764 and an harpsichord copy of an Italian harpsichord of 18th century. We have chosen to play continuo only with harpsichord considering that these two instruments have a similar way to produce sound. This is the first complete recording of all the sonatas for mandolin by Giovanni Battista Gervasio and the first absolute world recording.

Tracklist:

Mandolin Sonata In D Major, Gimo 144: I. Allegro Maestoso
Mandolin Sonata In D Major, Gimo 144: II. Largo Pizzicato
Mandolin Sonata In D Major, Gimo 144: III. Allegro Assay
Mandolin Sonata In C Major, Gimo 141: I. Allegro
Mandolin Sonata In C Major, Gimo 141: II. Largo Amoroso
Mandolin Sonata In C Major, Gimo 141: III. Allegro
Mandolin Sonata In D Major, L. 2768: I. Allegro
Mandolin Sonata In D Major, L. 2768: II. Largo Amoroso
Mandolin Sonata In D Major, L. 2768: III. Taice Alla Tedesca
Mandolin Sonata In D Major (Composed For Fun & Chamber Study): I. Allegro A Suo Comodo
Mandolin Sonata In D Major (Composed For Fun & Chamber Study): II. Minuetto Al Gusto Italiano
Mandolin Sonata In D Major (Composed For Fun & Chamber Study): III. Gavotta Allegretto Gustoso
Mandolin Sonata In G Major, Gimo 145: I. Allegro
Mandolin Sonata In G Major, Gimo 145: II. Larghetto Andantino Grazioso
Mandolin Sonata In G Major, Gimo 145: III. Allegro Con Molto Spirito
Mandolin Sonata In D Major, Gimo 142: I. Allegro
Mandolin Sonata In D Major, Gimo 142: II. Larghetto Grazioso
Mandolin Sonata In D Major, Gimo 142: III. Allegro

UPC: 8007194107098
Label: Tactus Records
Release Date: 11.1.19
Format: CD

Gervasio / Giacintucci / Darcangelo - Sonatas for Mandolin (CD)